24Jan14

Ansar Jerusalem claims responsibility for Cairo attacks that killed 6

In a statement released to jihadist forums this evening, Sinai-based Ansar
Jerusalem (Ansar Bayt al Maqdis) claimed responsibility for four attacks today
in the Cairo area, including a car bombing outside the Cairo Security
Directorate. The attacks, the first by the group outside North Sinai since Dec.
24, left six people dead and over 70 wounded.

The first attack came only a few hours after Ansar Jerusalem had issued an
audio warning. In the message, an Ansar Jerusalem official identified as Abu
Osama al Masri urged Egyptian security personnel to repent and save
themselves. "If you can escape with your weapon then do that. Otherwise, you
know that soldiers are dealt with as one bloc. We will target you as we target
your leaders," al Masri said.

The explosion at the security directorate was caused by a remotely detonated
car bomb, the group claimed in the statement, which was translated by the
SITE Intelligence Group. The second attack targeted security forces who had
been "ordered to suppress one of the demonstrations." The third attack, which
was carried out with four hand grenades, targeted a security patrol near the
Talabiya police station. The group's final attack, the statement said, targeted
"the criminal apostate Garir Mustafa while he was on his way with a security
force to suppress a demonstration on Haram Street."

After mentioning the four attacks, Ansar Jerusalem again warned that
Egyptians should stay away from police and military headquarters. "We face
difficulties while attacking without inflicting harm in the ranks of the Muslims,"
the group said. The communique concluded by warning: "This is the first of the
rain ... watch over your sons."

Following the formal announcement, Ansar Jerusalem issued a number of
disclaimers related to the manner in which its messages are released. First,
the group reiterated that it is not on any social media networks, a matter
explored in depth by The Long War Journal. Second, the group announced
that it does not use email "with any official or non-official parties." Finally, the
group reiterated that its official material is released only through the jihadist
forums of Al Fajr Media Center, al Qaeda's exclusive media distribution outlet.

[Source: By David Barnett, The Long War Journal, 24Jan14]

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